Williams Formula 1 team offers a very special fans experience

By Will Wynn on July 25, 2012

Motor sport enthusiasts are being given the chance to take a special, behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Williams Formula One team factory in Grove, near Wantage, Oxfordshire. The exclusive opportunity comes as part of the team’s support of National Motorsport Week (NMW) and will take place on Sunday 21 October 2012.

On the day, guests will be given an exclusive viewing of the Williams Grand Prix Collection, the largest of its kind in the world, as well as a detailed tour of the factory including the machine shop, race bays and other engineering facilities. Other highlights of the tour include a video link welcome from Sir Frank Williams, a Q&A session with Mike Coughlan, technical director and a virtual tour from the Williams F1 team award-winning conference centre. All guests will also be given the opportunity to enter a raffle, with a chance of winning a full hospitality package for two people at a Williams F1 conference centre race day.

National Motorsport Week is a celebration of UK motorsport jointly promoted by the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) and the Motor Sports Association (MSA) that is book-ended by two of this country’s premier motor sport events – the spectacular Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix at Silverstone. National Motorsport Week also features a wide range of initiatives and activities ranging from novice taster events run by local motor clubs to factory visits and open days at many of the UK’s premier motor sport-focused organisations.

Sir Frank Williams said: ’’The MIA does a fantastic job and when we were approached to host a fan day we were delighted to accept. The Williams F1 ethos has always been to try to bring the world of Formula One closer to fans and this is the perfect opportunity to give them a look behind the scenes and learn about the effort that goes into putting our cars on the track. I am sure that the lucky 200 fans that will join us in October will have a fun and informative day.’’

Chris Aylett, chief executive of the MIA added: “National Motorsport Week celebrates the British motor sport industry, a sector which involves more than 4,500 UK companies and boasts an annual turnover in excess of £6 billion. We are privileged to be part of such an event and to have the support of an organisation the calibre of Williams.”

Colin Hilton, chief executive of the MSA said: “National Motorsport Week provides us with a great platform to showcase the excellence and passion of UK motorsport. The success of our leading teams on the international stage reflects great credit on UK motor sport and there are few more iconic teams around the world than Williams.”

Tickets cost £70 per person and half of the proceeds from sales will be given to the team’s supported charities, which include the Spinal Injuries Association, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Motorsport Foundation. To book tickets visit www.the-mia.com/Events-Diary.